Does Delta 8 convert into 11-hydroxy-THC? We don’t want to waste your time — the answer is yes. 11-hydroxy-THC is a metabolite of Delta 8 THC. What does that mean?
In simple terms, your body processes the Delta 8 that you consume. The result of those metabolic processes is 11-hydroxy-Delta-8-THC. We’ll call it by an abbreviated name, 11-hydroxy-THC, in this article.
While it’s related to and comes from Delta 8 THC, 11-hydroxy-THC is a distinct compound.
There’s plenty more to consider when it comes to the conversion of Delta 8 THC into 11-hydroxy-THC. Let’s take a closer look at what 11-hydroxy-THC is, how this process works, and how it can affect you.
What is 11-Hyrdoxy-THC?
Outside of a scientific conversation, 11-Hydroxy-THC generally refers to the cannabinoid created by your body after consuming another type of cannabinoid.
Different types of THC yield different types of 11-hydroxy-THC in your body. When it comes to Delta 8, the specific metabolite is 11-hydroxy-Delta-8-THC.
The next section takes a closer look at that process. First, we’ll clarify what makes 11-hydroxy-THC unique:
- It’s significantly more potent than Delta 8 in a 1:1 comparison, offering stronger psychoactive effects
- It’s difficult to keep stable outside the body except when using additional chemicals like solvents, Leafwell explains
How Does the Human Body Convert Delta 8 Into 11-Hydroxy-THC?
We don’t want to get too wrapped up in the minutia of human metabolism and chemical reactions. However, a basic grasp of this process can make it easier to understand what 11-hyrdoxy-THC is and how it affects you.
This is just one of many chemical processes related to Delta 8. The difference is that, instead of happening in a lab, it occurs in your own body.
What is the Metabolic Process that Leads to the Creation of 11-hydroxy-THC?
The liver is the major player in converting Delta 8 into 11-hydroxy-THC. After you consume Delta 8 or another form of THC, this psychoactive chemical will move through your digestive system and eventually reach your liver.
There, a variety of enzymes will act on the Delta 8 present and turn it into 11-hydroxy-THC. Without getting too deep into the chemistry, more enzymes will convert that chemical into other forms before it’s excreted from the body.
We know this metabolic process happens whether you smoke, vape, eat an edible or use other common methods of consumption. However, the amount of Delta 8 that reaches your liver varies based on how you consume it.
Does All Delta 8 Turn Into 11-hydroxy-THC After it’s consumed?
Your body won’t change every single Delta 8 molecule into 11-hydroxy-THC, no matter how you ingest it. With that in mind, the way you consume Delta 8 will have a major impact.
Eating an edible, like a Delta 8 gummy, will lead to more cannabinoids reaching your digestive system and going through this transformation. Smoking and vaping lead to more cannabinoids entering your bloodstream, although some will make their way to your liver.
How long are Delta 8 and 11-hydroxy-THC Detectable on a Drug Test?
Healthline explains that the situation can be different for everyone when it comes to Delta 8 and drug testing. Frequency and intensity of use, personal metabolism, and many other factors all come into play.
Many drug tests look for the 11-hydroxy-THC created by consuming Delta 8. Differences in drug metabolism mean this metabolite stays in our systems for longer than Delta 8 itself.
Single or moderate use will likely only be detected in a urine test if the use occurred in the past several days or the past week. For daily use, the test can detect as far back as 30 days or more.
What Does an 11-Hydroxy-THC High Feel Like?
We know the 11-hydroxy-THC created in the liver after consuming Delta 8 is more potent than Delta 8 itself. What does that mean on a practical level when you eat an edible, smoke, or vape Delta 8? What is the high like?
Does 11-Hydroxy-THC Have Different Effects than Delta 8 and Other Cannabinoids?
Beyond increased potency, this THC metabolite also offers a longer high. While eating edibles means a longer wait for the high to kick in, you can count on a longer-lasting experience.
Outside of those two factors, the overall high created by 11-Hydroxy-THC is similar to Delta 8. You can usually count on feelings like euphoria and elevated mood. Side effects like dry mouth, red eyes, and increased appetite may also be present.
It’s also worth noting that the effects of Delta 8 THC edibles can vary from person to person because of differences in bodies, metabolisms, environments, and more. Some people feel limited or even no perceptible effects from some edibles.
If that’s the case, you can always try a different cannabinoid, like Delta 10 or Delta 11.
You could also test out a different way to consume Delta 8 and other cannabinoids, like vapes.
How Long Does it Take for 11-Hydroxy-THC to Work?
In general, edibles mean a longer wait for a high to kick in, as compared to smoking or vaping. Because a metabolic process creates 11-Hydroxy-THC, there isn’t a single timeline. It’s better to consider a range. It can take anywhere between 30 minutes and two hours for 11-hydroxy-THC to work.
The timing depends on everything from when you ate last to your gut microbe. You can influence some of these factors — you may feel the effects of 11-hydroxy-THC more quickly on an empty stomach, for example.
Can You Buy Products Containing 11-Hydroxy-THC?
A small range of products containing the 11-hydrxoy-THC that metabolizes from Delta 8 are available on the market. Additionally, all Delta 8 products, especially edibles, will cause your body to produce 11-hydroxy-THC.
Delta 8 Resellers is proud to offer a wide variety of the best federally legal, hemp-derived vapes, edibles, and more. We only partner with top brands in the market and commit ourselves to providing the very best products, customer service, and overall experience.
